CHAPTER 4REPRESENTATION AND SUPPORT
Lay support4.6
1
A party litigant may apply to the sheriff for permission for a named person to assist the party litigant in the conduct of proceedings, and such a person is to be known as a lay supporter.
2
The sheriff may refuse an application only if the sheriff is of the opinion that—
a
the named person is an unsuitable person to act as a lay supporter; or
b
it would be contrary to the efficient administration of justice to grant it.
3
The sheriff, if satisfied that it would be contrary to the efficient administration of justice for permission to continue, may withdraw permission.
4
A lay supporter may assist a party by accompanying the party at hearings.
5
A lay supporter may, if authorised by the party, assist the party by—
a
providing moral support;
b
helping to manage court documents and other papers;
c
taking notes of the proceedings;
d
quietly advising on—
i
points of law and procedure;
ii
issues which the party litigant might want to raise with the court.
6
A party may show any document (including a court document) or communicate any information about the proceedings to that party’s lay supporter without contravening any prohibition or restriction on disclosure of the document or information.
7
Where a document or information is disclosed under paragraph (6), the lay supporter is subject to any prohibition or restriction on disclosure in the same way as the party is.
8
A lay supporter must not receive directly or indirectly from the party any remuneration or other reward for assisting the party.